Progress continues to be made toward the opening of this new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port City Marina, which will open for business in a few weeks along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. See /?p=148108 for photos of the facilities.
BIG Announcement. We mean BIG. Dear Boating Enthusiast: We are thrilled to announce the marina opening is not far off!!!! We are finishing up the last minute touches, and are NOW accepting reservations. Our soft opening is June 5th, and we are gearing up for a grand opening later this summer. (Hint: Stay tuned for announcement and invite to our celebration). We hate to brag, but our location can’t be beat! Did you know you will be able to step off your boat and walk right downtown or along the Cape Fear River on the Riverwalk? Our Downtown is quaint and offers boutique style shopping, lots of good eats, culture, and entertainment. Wrightsville Beach (just one of three nearby beaches) is just 15 minutes away if you want to enjoy a beach sunset or feel the sand on your toes. Need to travel — the Wilmington International Airport is just 5 minutes away from PCM. Whatever you want to do ‘“ Port City Marina is in the middle of it all. Wilmington is thriving, and we have some really exciting (AND BIG) plans in the works for the marina. Sneak peeks can be found on our website www.portcitymarina.com. On our home page – scroll down to see a cool video of what’s happening at PCM! Call to schedule a time to come and check us out at 910.251.6151 ‘“ or feel free to reach out directly to our staff.
Marina Manager Pete Werling Cell: 910.612.8810 Email: petew@portcitymarina.com
I live in town and they are working much faster than before to transform the dusty construction site. I did see sprinklers out where they hope to grow grass, so hopefully progress continues. Gas pumps not yet installed and no marina building yet. I hope they have a plan to mitigate the construction dust, but this will be a nice place once fully filled out. Not sure how fast the area around them will be finished or constructed…
Despite a number of delays, lots of progress has been made at this new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port City Marina, which will open for business in a few weeks along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. See /?p=122272 for earlier reports.
Click Here for more pictures of the new facilities.
No one deserves this honor more than Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. Congratulations Southport!
ValvTect Names Marina of the Year North Carolina’s Southport Marina Honored
Northbrook, Illinois – In 2006, Preston Development Company of Cary, North Carolina purchased an aging marina in Southport, North Carolina, on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).
What started as a simple remodeling project grew into a multi-million dollar, multi-year rebuild of the entire location. The result is one of the finest full-service marinas along the ICW. With 225 wet slips and 240 dry slips, Southport Marina can dock and service vessels from 20′ to 100′. By balancing Southern Hospitality-based customer service with first-class facilities and amenities, Southport Marinaï‚Ž has become one of the most popular marinas for boaters cruising the ICW, local sport fishermen and local power and sail boaters.
Left to right: Paul Craufurd, ValvTect Regional Manager, Robin Rose of Preston Development, Hank Whitley CMM, of Southport Marina, Thad Moore of Preston Development and Jerry Nessenson, founder of ValvTect Petroleum
`To recognize Southport Marina’s accomplishments for customer service excellence, environmental stewardship, community involvement and marketing of ValvTect Marine Fuels, we are pleased to present the 2014 Certified ValvTect Marina of the Year award,’ said ValvTect founder Jerry Nessenson. The award was presented at the ValvTect Marina of the Year award dinner held last month at the International Marina and Boatyard Conference (IMBC) in Tampa, Florida.
Accepting the prestigious award were Robin Rose and Thad Moore of Preston Development Company (owner’s representatives) and Hank Whitley, CMM (Southport Marina Manager). All stressed their ongoing efforts to make Southport Marina a destination for transients and local boaters alike. `By striving to exceed our customer’s expectations we have been able to develop strong loyalty from both transient and local boaters,’ said Hank Whitley. `Throughout the renovation process, our effort to build a top-notch facility was accompanied by a focus on environmental impact. Our efforts have earned us Certified Clean Marina status by North Carolina and the appreciation of our customers,’ said Thad Moore. `We are proud to support the nation’s veterans and our community by hosting the Military Appreciation Day Fishing Event, sponsoring the North Carolina Maritime Museum and various other community activities,’ added Robin Rose.
In addition to the 2014 Certified ValvTect Marina of the Year, Southport Marina was recently named as one of the Top 25 Marinas in North America by Power and Motoryacht magazine. It also earned the 2013 Marina Dock Age Marina of the Year and received the Southport Chamber of Commerce `Golden Pineapple Award’ for Excellent Customer Service.
More about Southport Marina: Southport Marinaï‚Ž is located on the ICW at mile marker 309 approximately 30 miles south of the Port City of Wilmington, NC. It is the first mainland marina upon entering the Cape Fear River Channel from the Atlantic Ocean, which is the passage all ships enter to come to Wilmington. Southport is a full service marina and boat yard that services boaters cruising the ICW as well as local fishermen, recreational power and sail boaters. There are 225 wet slips for boats from 30′ to 225′, 260 dry slips, 2 boat ramps, a 75 ton lift and ValvTect Marine Gasoline and ValvTect Marine Diesel. We also provide housing for NC Boat Rentals, MarineMax, Freedom Boat Club and North Sails and have been certified as a Clean Marina in North Carolina.
More about ValvTect Petroleum: ValvTect Petroleum Productsï‚Ž is the largest supplier of fuel additives to the nation’s fuel distributors that supply specially formulated fuels under its brands of ValvTect Marine Fuels, Diesel Guard Premium Diesel, ThermoGuard Heating Oil, AgriGuard Farm Fuel and BioGuard. It is also a major supplier to the nation’s largest fleets and engine manufacturers. In the marine industry, approximately 700 Certified ValvTect Marinas in 42 states supply ValvTect Marine Fuels, which are `specially formulated for marine engines’. Courtesy of Boating Magazine: http://www.boatingmag.com/valvtect-names-marine-year
This response to an AGLCA Forum request for dry storage on the Atlantic coast comes from SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts in Wilmington, NC. Patricia Bennett was recently featured by Marina Life Magazine, see /?p=145444.
Bennett Brothers Yachts is a AGLCA sponsor and we can accommodate catamarans! Our 70 Ton lift pit has a width of 26 ft so a beam of 22 ft is not a problem. We are located on the Northeast Cape Fear River in historic Wilmington, NC. Height is not a restriction! Long term dry storage is available for monohulls as well as multihulls. Please call Tricia Bennett for details – 910.772.9277, www.bbyachts.com Patricia Donovan Bennett President Bennett Brothers Yachts, Inc. Cape Fear Marina 1701 J.E.L. Wade Drive Wilmington, NC 28401 www.bbyachts.com 910.772.9277
Bennett Brothers Yachts (BBY) at Cape Fear Marina is a great place to launch and / or cross your wake! Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington, BBY is a looper and cruiser friendly place. Brokerage and boat works, recreation and socialize pretty much sum it up. Full service marina with amenities, 70 ton travel lift, paint shop, mechanical shop. Leave your boat with BBY and fly home no problem ILM Wilmington international Airport is 4 minutes away… We will give you the lift to get there! Thank You Cruisers Net for sharing a great secret. Get to Wilmington and have fun… BBY will see to it.
The marked entry channel to Deep Point Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20.
Just left Deep Point Marina and can’t say enough great things about the staff, facility and the other boaters I met there. Everyone was extremely hospitable and ready to help with whatever you needed. Historic Southport is a good two miles away from the marina so a ride is needed. Also, there are no grocery stores in historic Southport so you need to go a little farther to get to a Food Lion or Walmart. However, there are lots of great restaurants in Southport. Try Loco Joe’s for an incredible pork sandwich and Bernie’s for a deep fried croissant! Docking fee was extremely reasonable and since we arrived in December there was a special on top of that for staying three days. We will come back! Marcia
Cape Fear Marina and Bennett Brother Yachts, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, continues to provide excellent service as well as convenient access to the many attractions Wilmington has to offer, including two new restaurants: Catch, with award winning local Chef and Food TV celebrity, Keith Rhodes at 6623 Market Street, 910-799-3847 and Dock Street Oyster Bar, ranked #11 out of 409 picks for 2014 by Tripadvisor, 12 Dock Street, 910-762-2827. Along with the friendly folks at Cape Fear Marina, such haute cuisine makes the trip up the Cape Fear River very alluring!
Patricia Bennett, President of Bennett Brothers Yachts, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has been honored in this article by Ellen Honey in Marina Life Magazine.
Women in Boating INTERVIEWS OF WOMEN IN THE MARINE INDUSTRY Written by Ellen Honey Once a rarity in the marine industry, women now often play a central role, whether that’s at the wheelhouse, in the galley, or at the helm of the entire operation. Some arrived at their position via family, others through serendipity or determination, but they are all passionate about their boating careers.
PATRICIA BENNETT President, Bennett Brothers Yachts Patricia assumed full responsibility at Bennett Brothers Yachts and Cape Fear Marina in Wilmington, North Carolina, when her husband and partner, Paul Bennett, passed away in 2007.
Tricia is used to preparing for hurricanes, but nothing could have prepared her for the recession that swept the industry in 2008. Conservative by nature, she was able to survive and grow, and is optimistic about the current uptick in the marine industry. Customers aren’t just doing necessary mechanical repairs but are now redoing their hulls. Recent projects include repainting a 72-foot Marlow Explorer and the Wilmington Fire Department fireboat.
Tricia has no plans to slow down. She labels herself a `demanding leader’ who expects 110 percent from employees because, `I give 110 percent every day.’ Two of her four children are interested in helping her further develop and enhance the marina and boatyard, located in one of the fastest growing areas in the country. No doubt, this energetic woman will keep pace with the growth of her surroundings.
Our recommendation to Skipper Harllee is to call Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. Their daily Weather and Navigation Briefings (see /?p=144528) more than qualify them to provide needed advice and up-to-date information on the Cape Fear river. However, I’m sure Skipper Harllee would welcome your advice as well!
My husband and I have cruised on the Cape Fear River several times from Southport, NC to the Wilmington area in our 27 foot Ranger Tug (single screw) with no problems. But yesterday (Thursday, October 30) we faced confused seas and had difficulty with the run from Snows Cut south to Southport. The wind was only around 12 to 13 knots, but it was from an unusual direction, from the northwest. We tried to time our run for slack current, but obviously we miss calculated and had a following wind and we were going into the current. Very uncomfortable, rough chop and we were glad we finally made it to Southport. Since we plan more trips on the Cape Fear River, does anyone have any advice regarding how to time our trip to match the current and the wind? How do we get accurate information on the Cape Fear current? Thanks so much! Jo Ann
Joann – Getting the correct tidal information is one of the keys for sure. I am not sure what the best tide station is for that area, but Southport, NC should be okay. We have experienced your similar conditions and it seems that tides in the their final stages produce much stronger flows than at the beginning. So the tide could have still be in its final stage of flood and in conflict with the wind and that would be the strongest tidal flow, hence the aggressive chop. We too are retired and having no schedule is in our favor for sure. Try mid-tidal ranges if time allows for your cruise or at least when the winds are calmer and maybe even from a direction that gives you some “leeward” protection. I hope your husband recovers and continues to enjoy boating, as it is and can be such fun for all. Thanks again for using the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net JoAnn. Do stay in touch. Winston
Winston, thanks for your advice. Since we are retired we have some flexibility on timing. So yesterday with the wind from the north we hit Snows Cut around high tide, thinking that with a dropping tide we would be better off going down the Cape Fear. But it did not work. At what tide level would have it been better for us? And what tide chart is best to use for the Cape Fear anyway when you first come out of Snows Cut? Sorry to be so dense, but it was such an unpleasant experience we would rather avoid it if we can (or I am afraid that our tendancy will be to just use the boat as a condo and never go out, my husband actually hurt his neck and shoulder on the ride down the river so it will be a while before we go out anyway) . Thanks again, Jo Ann
JoAnn – we used to keep our boat just north of Wrightsville. Have had all kinds of experiences along the course you described. The current is always flowing out, the tides will have an impact to reduce flow or cause it to be static. Winds play a big role here if tides flow and winds are in conflict…this can cause nasty chop, especially true at the beginning of flood or near end of outgoing if winds are contradictory to flow. And there seems to always be a “first time” for most any and every thing when on the water. Glad you are safe. The vessels can usually take much more than those of us on board. Best to you and thanks for using SSECN. Winston Fowler-Sent from my iPad
Having done the Cape Fear River numerous times in atrocious conditions the obvious answer is to not be out there when there is a lot of wind against the current. Most slower vessels prefer to go with a favorable current, but it is worth it to wait at Carolina Beach or Southport if the wind is going to be up and against your favorable current. The good news is that in the fall when headed south the worst winds tend to be from the north so should be behind you with a favorable current.
This reader is seeking advice about navigation Frying Pan Shoals from east to west at the large shoal off the tip of Cape Fear. If you have experience in those waters, let us hear from you!
Hi! I have a quick question that I am hoping that you can answer. We currently dock a 20 foot boat in Wrightsville Beach. We are looking to move to an older 45-50 foot Viking by July of 2015. At that time we may move to Southport area as our hailing port. I am originally form up north and still learning the NC waters. Is it possible to navigate across the FP shoals at the 3 mile line or do you need to be closer to the FP Shoals Slue or the territorial line. Looking at a chart is appears that the 3 mile line depth is a bit variable. Thank you in advance for your time reviewing this note. Regards, Tom Thomas N. Denny
I just went through the Slue the other day and it is an easy navigational route. I went through with an 85 foot cruiser. I like to stay outside if possible, love to see the sunrise and set while at sea. All of the marine life too. Do not like the ditch unless it is rough out.
ICW is a very nice run from Wrightsville to Carolina Beach to the Cape Fear River then Southport. 24 miles I think. A lot shorter and both the Waterway and River are beautiful thru this stretch. Only go outside to sail with prevailing wind.
Here’s a good plug for Wilmington and for Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a hop, skip and jump from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
When traveling in the region consider touching base with Wilmington NC. Just a short passage up the Cape Fear River will provide a bounty of provision options. Bennett Brothers Yachts @ Cape Fear Marina can haul 70 tons and provide a mechanical second opinion that could make the run up the river worth while. Consider the “Fun to Fuel Burn” formula when making a decision to visit. Can’t put a dollar value on the fun you will have in Historical Wilmington. See you soon! Peter Kurki http://www.bbyachts. Com
Here’s a nice recommendation from Skipper Nickle for SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts and Cape Fear Marina, located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a hop, skip and jump from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
I want to thank you again for getting me your contact at Bennett Brothers the other day. He was able to recommend a company in Florida that deals with marine hydraulics and just last week we received our refurbished cylinder back from them. Has not been re-installed, yet, but so far we are very happy with their service and we will commend that company. Here’s their website: http://www.rigginghydraulics.com and the contact name is Buk Miller. Many thanks to you!!!! Cheers, Elke Nickle
Could not agree more on the comments on Bennett Brothers. We have been there twice in the last six months with our Bristol 47.7 Frances and the ride up the Cape Fear to Wilmington is well worth it. Their staff is expert on all systems and they are very practical in their advice, starting with Tricia Bennett and Al Noble, their service manager.
Zimmerman Marine is part of the excellent facilities of Southport Marina, a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. These fine organizations lie just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. For more information, visit www.zimmermanmarine.com and www.southport-marina.com
Zimmerman Marine Service/Southport Marina in Southport NC, You guys are great! We were traveling North to BHI Fri the 18th on our 40 Silverton ACMY and lost our raw water exhaust pump on our port side about 6 miles south of Southport. I called SPM and they were quick to offer a courtesy dock for inspection. Then I called Zimmerman Marine, remembering they were on site. By the time we arrived there Steve, the Zimmerman tech was waiting for us on the dock. We quickly determined the raw pump had split, pumping sea water into the bilge overheating the exhaust port side. Steve went to check for a replacement part. There was not one available that day. So, on his on, Steve called around and found a good used part, drove way out of his way to get it, came back and installed it and we were on our way in about 3 hours. Steve saved our family weekend trip and was fantastic to work with. Great service is sometimes taken for granted. I did not want to miss this opportunity to give the staff at SPM and Steve from Zimmerman a big shout out THANK YOU! 5 star service and very reasonable price! John Beaver
The following article from BoatUS on how to choose a good boat yard is certainly helpful, and you can find among our SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSORS! two of the finest yards on the east coast. Sponsors that are helping to keep this service FREE to the cruising community. Those yards are, of course, Atlantic Yacht Basin in Chesapeake, VA and Bennett Brothers in Wilmington, NC.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 24, 2014 ‘“ While boatyards are busy, summer may be a better time to have repair work done on the boat. Why? The typical boatyard and shop warranty on labor is 90 days, giving boaters the time necessary to use the boat and ensure a correct repair. But where does a boater go to get repairs done right? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has some tips:
Use what your eyes are telling you: Sometimes it’s the little things that give you a sign that the yard you are entering isn’t the best. One BoatUS member took his boat to a repair facility and thought that the abundance of boats in the lot meant that the boatyard was popular. It wasn’t until after the yard started giving odd excuses for delays and then made him pay for hundreds of dollars of ineffective engine repairs before releasing the boat, did the member notice that few, if any, of the boats in the lot had been moved in years.
All recommendations aren’t the same: Online recommendations are a mish-mash of good and bad: more reliable ones have real names attached and specific details in postings. Fellow boaters are likely the best folks to recommend a yard, but go one step further: be sure that the repairs are similar to what you need. Another option is to ask a marine surveyor. These professionals are often knowledgeable about the quality of work in local repair yards, as long as they’re impartial and unaffiliated with any shop or boatyard. Look for a boat surveyor having SAMS or NAMS credentials as these surveyor associations require their members to be independent. Another good sign to see is a shop that follows American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) guidelines for repairs, which ensures that crucial safety standards are met. ABYC technicians also get specialized certification in a range of boat systems.
Dealerships may offer more, but don’t write off independents: There are certain benefits to taking an out-of-warranty boat or motor to a dealership, with the best training and equipment being at the top of the list. Dealerships also enjoy better parts connections. On the other hand, most well established independent repair facilities also produce high quality work ‘“ especially those run by former or current factory-trained technicians. And unlike a dealership, they must compete on repair business alone and their prices are usually lower.
Look for shops that specialize: Boats vary in type, size and complexity and so do repair facilities. Don’t bring a 34-foot trawler for repairs to a shop that mostly works on trailer boats, and don’t expect the guy living in a van down by the river to fix your high-tech outboard.
`Always check around first before doing business,’ said BoatUS Director of Consumer Affairs Charles Fort. `Many boaters only have the summer to enjoy their boats, so any problems could lead to a premature end of the boating season.’
This shortcut that runs northwest from the western end of Snows Cut to the Wilmington bound Cape Fear River has been a temptation and a hazard for several years, see /?p=105372. Skipper Matthews did not leave all his good sense behind, because he went slowly, kept an eye on the depthfinder, was able to do a 180 and escape the shoal. It’s a tough rule to remember, but all charted channels are not necessarily navigable.
I left good sense behind and tried this channel Memorial Day weekend 2014. It dropped to 3 foot fast! Was lucky enough to turn around and make it back to deep water after a good barnacle scraping. I draw 3-1/2 feet. Ben Matthews
Cruising with our pre-teen daughters in a small trawler with limited refrigeration meant that ice cream was the most sought after commodity whenever we went ashore, regardless the time of day. I wish we had had the recommendation offered by Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) After you come down the Cape Fear River, preferably not in rolling, breaking waves with wind and current opposed, and you pull into the Provision Company for some nice fresh seafood, why not top off your meal with, wait for it, ice cream! All you have to do is walk out the front door of the restaurant, which by the way has great food and service, turn left and you will see ICE CREAM, in big letters at Flava’s. You can’t miss it. This day’s selections would be Rocky Road for the hubby (chocolate all the way) and Birthday Cake for me. I have a confession to make. I really have a thing for Birthday Cake ice cream. You get the painfully sweet icing part, usually blue, little bits of yummy cake and, if you are lucky, some crunchy bits of brightly colored white chocolate. My granddaughter and I share this passion. I tried their Birthday Cake and it was good. A nice end to a seafood meal. Susan Landry
The marked entry channel to Deep Point Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20. And this is certainly not the first time we’ve received confirmation of the fine quality of work by Bennett Brothers Yachts, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
We’ve stopped here before. liked it, and will stop again. The dockmasters are very helpful and gave us good info on highly qualified assistance we needed from Bennett Brothers. Also, very nice people live here on their boats. We’ll be back. Bru Brubaker
Here’s a message from the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net’s NEWEST SPONSOR, Carolina Yacht Care, located in Southport, NC. Wow, talk about full services for your vessel, AND your crew, it simply doesn’t get any better than this. For a worry free visit to Southport’s great marinas or anchorages, click Carolina Yacht Care’s sponsorship banner, and leave all your port of call responsibilities to these good people!
Cruisers Hank and Lisa Pomeranz, of Southport, NC completed a cruise south this past winter, visiting 17 towns and cities in the US and Bahamas.
On their return in June, they considered some of the services along their route that helped make their trip memorable. They analyzed those stops where they were inclined to spend a few days, rather than just push through, and came up with a list of services they believe are most helpful to cruisers.
The services include: a shuttle, provisioning, packing and shipping, mail receipt, a single, unbiased point of contact for recommending quality local contractors and responding to any other unique needs of transients.
Founded as the town of Smithville in 1792, Southport is a convenient stop and a warm and welcoming historic city and worth staying an extra day or two to explore. Realizing that none of these services have been available in Southport, and that some cruisers might be skipping the city or just staying overnight, they decided to start Carolina Yacht Care to meet cruisers needs. They have a cruisers perspective which means they understand that, as a service business, they must be dependable and flexible to cruiser’s schedules and myriad other complexities of being a transient. For example, they started running a scheduled shuttle from Deep Point and Southport Marinas (with more to follow) but have also made the shuttle available on an as needed basis. Cruisers needing provisions can order ahead of time and then let them know where to deliver once they arrive. They will meet you at your boat to deliver or help pack up parts and get them shipped.
Of course, consider them a wonderful resource of free local knowledge. Their love of Southport and enjoyment in meeting fellow cruisers will help make your stay memorable.
Says Hank, “We will do whatever we can to help our fellow cruiser’s relax and enjoy beautiful Southport. If they don’t have the time to spend in Southport, we are there to maximize their short stays as well.”
This is the kind of service every significant port of call should have. Really helps you enjoy all a destination has to offer. Looking forward to return visit to Southport. Hank & Lisa being well traveled cruisers themselves, know just what is needed by fellow skippers & crew !!! Skipper CW
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina has just introduced a new video showcasing this fine marina’s facilities and services. It is very definitely worth a look. Southport Marina is located in the heart of the old river village of the same name. In the 1950’s and early 60’s, Southport was my boyhood summer home aboard. I have nothing but the warmest memories of my time spent on the docks of the old Southport harbor. May you too be so fortunate. Check out the new video at:
Located along the easterly banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, just west of the high-rise Hilton hotel, the City Docks have long been a popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers.
We spent Labor Day weekend here (our third visit). Still love downtown Wilmington. It’s so alive with people and places! Went to the free Friday night concert and then the Farmer’s Market on Saturday. The only negative with the area is that there is no grocery store within walking distance so make sure you’re stocked up before you get here. There are two negatives about the Cape Fear River. 1) Lots of large logs always floating down the river that get jammed under your swim platform or between your boat and the dock. We ended up putting out large ball fenders to make more space. 2) Repeatedly being seriously waked by all sized boats and even jet skis. I ended up calling one of the tour boat companies to complain (nicely, of course) and they did slow down quite a bit for the remainder of our visit. But I really wish the city or someone would look into making the area near the docks a no wake zone. Paula Spence, M/Y Sea Eagle
The crew of the Sea Eagle are experienced cruisers who, as narrated below, let down their guard at the end of an otherwise pleasant visit to the City Docks of Wilmington, NC, which is a longtime popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers. The City Docks are located along the easterly banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, just west of the high-rise Hilton hotel.
Last night someone boarded our boat while we were sleeping. The person tried to take our TV but it was bolted down. He quickly grabbed the first two things he saw that he could carry – my husband’s laptop and (of all things) a small fan. We never heard a thing and didn’t discover the theft until 5:45 a.m. when Jim got up and found the saloon door wide open. We’re are very grateful that nothing else was taken and even more so that no one (including the bad guy) was hurt or worse. So how did this happen? We certainly have to take some responsibility for it. We were tired and were focused on our plans to leave in the morning instead of being in the present. Either one of two simple things would probably have prevented this. We have a very simple motion detector “driveway” alarm which we had set every night except last night. We also have a procedure for verifying that the door is locked which we had done every night except last night. We let ourselves get too comfortable with a place we’ve stayed at three times but have learned a very valuable lesson and actually got off pretty easy. Bottom line – if you stay here or at any unsecured dock, be vigilant with your security measures! Paula aboard m/v Sea Eagle
Paula My Friends who stayed here three years ago had the same experience. I had to check with them today after reading your posting. Someone came aboard and made a quick grab of a TV set before they woke up. Be cautious on Wilmington docks. About 10 blocks away is a rather poor neighborhood with a break-in problem. Ben
Progress continues to be made toward the opening of this new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port City Marina, which will open for business in a few weeks along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. See /?p=148108 for photos of the facilities.
Comments from Cruisers (1)
I live in town and they are working much faster than before to transform the dusty construction site. I did see sprinklers out where they hope to grow grass, so hopefully progress continues. Gas pumps not yet installed and no marina building yet. I hope they have a plan to mitigate the construction dust, but this will be a nice place once fully filled out. Not sure how fast the area around them will be finished or constructed…